We often think of cavities as our greatest oral health foe, but the truth is that gum disease can be just as damaging. That is why our Orland Park gum disease dentists have put together this short article about signs and symptoms of gum disease. We hope that you are able to use this information to identify and treat periodontal disease before it gets out of control!
Bad Breath
The oral bacteria that cause periodontal disease also release unpleasant odors as they grow and multiply. That is why patients who suffer from gum disease are so likely to experience halitosis. If you are finding it increasingly difficult to achieve and maintain fresh breath, gum disease may be the culprit.
Bleeding Tissue
Periodontal disease weakens previously healthy gum tissue, causing it to break down. As a result, tissue is more easily damaged, and prone to bleeding. You are especially likely to notice blood when you floss between your teeth and when you brush your smile.
Receding Tissue
As gum tissue breaks down, it will start to wear away and pull away from your smile. You may even be able to see large gaps between your teeth and gums—these are called “periodontal pockets.
Tooth Destabilization
Your gum tissue is one component of the underlying structure of your smile. Your gums, along with connective tissues under your gums, keep your teeth healthy and in place. Patients with advanced periodontal disease often notice that their teeth feel wobbly, or are shifting in alignment.
If you start to notice any of these problems in your own life, or if you are already dealing with the realities of gum disease, we encourage you to give our Orland Park periodontal dentists a call to begin preventive and restorative treatment. The earlier you are able to treat bacterial infections, the better!